Assisted Dying Bill Falls as Parliamentary Time Runs Out

A proposed law to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales has failed to progress after running out of parliamentary time, bringing an end to its passage nearly 17 months after it first secured backing from MPs.

The legislation sought to allow terminally ill adults aged over 18, who are believed to be in the final six months of life, to request medical assistance to end their life. The proposal included a series of safeguards, though these remained a point of contention throughout its scrutiny.

The bill initially gained support in the House of Commons in November 2024, when MPs voted in favour of the principle by a majority of 55. It later cleared its Commons stages in June 2025, albeit with a reduced majority of 23.

However, its progress stalled in the House of Lords, where peers subjected the legislation to extensive examination. More than 1,200 amendments were tabled during its passage—thought to be a record number for a bill introduced by a backbench MP—reflecting the depth of debate and division surrounding the issue.

Despite reaching the committee stage in the Lords, where detailed, line-by-line scrutiny takes place, the bill did not complete all required stages before time expired. The final day of committee consideration marked the end of its journey in the current parliamentary session.

Supporters of the proposed law have expressed disappointment but remain determined to reintroduce the legislation in the next session of Parliament, due to begin on 13 May. Some have criticised what they describe as procedural delays in the Lords, arguing that these hindered progress.

Opponents, however, maintain that the bill raised significant concerns, particularly around the adequacy of safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals, including older people and those receiving end-of-life care.

Toby Porter, CEO of Hospice UK, said: “Today (April 24), we know for certain that Assisted Dying will not become legal in England and Wales at this attempt. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP and sponsored by Lord Falconer has not passed the Committee stage in the House of Lords and therefore fails at the end of today’s session.

“We must not lose focus on what makes a good death and what needs to be done to make sure everyone gets one. Opponents and supporters of the assisted dying Bill alike must now channel their energy and passion into ensuring high-quality palliative and end of life care is available to everyone who needs it, and calling for hospices to be properly funded, to be there for everyone who needs them.

“The measure of the skill and values of the Government, politicians, as well as our institutions like the NHS, will be the extent to which the momentum and passion from the assisted dying Bill debate is used to transform access to palliative care for the whole UK population, especially those vulnerable and excluded groups.

“We surely want to be a country where everyone gets the care they need at the end of their life, including the death they choose. Good palliative and end of life care offers people “enormous choice at the end of their lives, as well as dignity, comfort, and essential support for their loved ones. We cannot let it be cut back further and further.

“Over the next 15 years more people will die in the UK than ever before. Securing the future of end of life care could not be more important. But the way hospices are funded is not fit for purpose. The combination of rising costs and stagnating funding is leaving many with no choice but to cut essential services and make valued staff redundant. Ultimately it is patients who pay the price.

“We’re calling on the Government to urgently implement our four-point plan for fair hospice funding, so hospices can finally begin to plan and provide their essential care free from financial worry.”